Lookout (company)

Lookout (company) is an American cybersecurity firm specializing in mobile threat defense and endpoint security solutions. Founded in 2007, the company gained early prominence for its consumer-focused mobile application designed to protect smartphones from malware and data loss. Over time, Lookout has pivoted to primarily serve enterprise and government clients, offering a security platform that leverages cloud-based analytics to protect data across iOS, Android, and Chromebook devices. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California and is recognized for its research into advanced mobile threats, including those attributed to state-sponsored actors.

History

Lookout was founded in 2007 by John Hering, Kevin Mahaffey, and James Burgess, initially operating under the name Flexilis. The company's early focus was on the emerging consumer mobile security market, launching one of the first comprehensive security apps for the Android platform. In 2012, Lookout raised significant funding from investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Accel Partners, and Khosla Ventures, which fueled its expansion. A strategic shift began around 2015, as Lookout increasingly targeted the enterprise market, culminating in the 2019 launch of its unified endpoint security platform. This evolution was marked by key executive appointments, including former FireEye executive, Mike Fey, as Chief Operating Officer, and partnerships with major technology integrators like Dell Technologies.

Products and services

Lookout's core offerings are centered on its cloud-native security platform, which provides visibility and protection for data accessed on mobile and other endpoints. Its flagship product, **Lookout for Business**, is designed for corporate environments, integrating with Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management systems to prevent data exfiltration and phishing attacks. **Lookout for Government** delivers similar capabilities tailored for the specific compliance and threat landscape of public sector agencies, including those within the United States Department of Defense. The platform's functionality includes real-time threat detection, secure VPN connectivity, and compliance monitoring, helping organizations enforce policies under frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Technology and security research

The company's technology is built upon a cloud-based architecture that analyzes telemetry from millions of devices to identify and correlate threat indicators. Its engine utilizes machine learning and behavioral analytics to detect sophisticated attacks, including zero-day exploits and phishing campaigns that leverage malicious applications or compromised networks. Lookout's security research team, Lookout Lab, has published influential reports on advanced persistent threats, notably exposing mobile espionage campaigns linked to groups such as APT28 and Dark Caracal. Their work has detailed the use of malicious software development kits and vulnerabilities within the WhatsApp messaging platform, contributing significantly to the broader understanding of mobile attack vectors within the cybersecurity community.

Business model and partnerships

Lookout operates on a software as a service subscription model, with pricing typically based on the number of protected users or devices. Its business strategy heavily emphasizes channel partnerships and technology integrations to reach enterprise customers. The company has established key alliances with major players in the IT ecosystem, including VMware, for integration with the Workspace ONE platform, and Amazon Web Services, as an approved security offering on the AWS Marketplace. Further strategic partnerships with telecommunications providers like T-Mobile and system integrators have been crucial for distribution and implementation, particularly within regulated industries and the federal government sector.

Recognition and controversies

Lookout has received industry recognition from analyst firms such as Gartner and Forrester Research, which have included the company in reports on mobile threat defense and endpoint security. However, its history includes notable controversies, primarily from its consumer-focused era. In 2011, the company faced scrutiny after its app was briefly suspended from the Google Play store due to a policy violation related to update mechanisms. A more significant incident occurred in 2016, when a vulnerability in Lookout's pre-installed software on certain Samsung devices, distributed by AT&T, was disclosed, potentially allowing unauthorized privilege escalation, though no widespread exploitation was reported.

Category:Computer security companies of the United States Category:Companies based in San Francisco Category:Mobile software companies